Theodore "Ted" Eugene Sievers

Theodore “Ted” Eugene Sievers

Quick to Offer a Smile -

Theodore “Ted” Eugene Sievers, age 89, of Mechanicsburg, PA, and formerly of York, PA and Peoria, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 25, 2018.  Ted was born on Sunday, January 13, 1929 in Tuscola, IL to the late Thomas W. Sievers and Ollie M. (Russell) Sievers.  In addition to his parents, Ted is preceded in death by his two sisters: Betty Myers, Juanita McCollum; and his brother, Russell Sievers.

Ted’s survivors include his wife of 68 years, Alma Elaine (Esders) Sievers.  The two were married on September 4, 1949 in a little white church in Washington, IL.  He is also survived by his three children: Stephen Sievers and his wife, Vicki, of St. Libory, IL, David Sievers of Middleburg, FL, Melinda Sievers of Dillsburg, PA; his four grandchildren: Kathy Petroff and her husband, Alex, of Dillsburg, PA, Sarah Hileman and her husband, Brad, of Dillsburg, PA, Jeremiah O’Dean and his wife, Alanna, of Pittsburgh, PA, Heather Miller and her husband, Jeff, of St. Libory, IL; his 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Ted graduated from Sullivan High School in Illinois as a part of the class of 1946.  He then traveled by motor scooter to Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, IL to begin his four year training program as a machinist.  After successfully completing his training, he eventually earned a management position and established a successful career with Caterpillar.  Ted retired from Caterpillar after 38 years.  During his career, he traveled to numerous international Caterpillar locations in Europe, South America, and Japan, as well as a four year transfer to Scotland with his family.  The highlight of Ted’s career was overseeing the prototype manufacturing at the plant in Mossville, IL.  Ted’s passion for engineering and craftsmanship was evident throughout his life and his hobbies included intricate wood carving, gardening, and building and flying remote control airplanes.  Ted also enjoyed taking his family on road trips.  After his retirement, Ted and Alma enjoyed travelling in their Airstream trailer as part of the Wally Byam Caravan Club, visiting Mexico and Alaska, and many places in between.  Despite travelling frequently and moving 19 times, Ted found time to be an active member of various service organizations throughout his life including: Promise Keepers, Jaycees, Habitat for Humanity, and Lion’s Club.  He was a faithful member of the Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren. Ted was quick to offer a smile and a helping hand.  He will be fondly remembered for his kindness and patience.

All are welcome to join Ted’s family at his memorial service on Thursday, June 7, 2018, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren, 301 Gale Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Del Keeney officiating.  Ted’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church following the service.  Interment will follow in Dillsburg Cemetery.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Ted’s life can be made to Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren, 301 Gale Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912-3950, www.GuideDogs.com/Support-GDB/Donate, or Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709-3498, www.Habitat.org/Donate.

Ted’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ted’s full obituary, view his picture, and sign Ted’s official guest book at Buhrig.com.